House Begins Debate On Sobriety Bill

The Wyoming House is considering a bill that would set up a program to test those who have been arrested for substance abuse misdemeanors at all hours of the day.

House Judiciary Chairman Keith Gingery says 24/7 sobriety programs like this are currently working in some select Wyoming counties and in other states. The bill funds a program where the substance abuser is tested regularly, sometimes twice a day, for drug or alcohol use. Gingery says not only will the legislation help people, it could reduce crime.

"When you are looking at crime in Wyoming, the biggest thing that causes crime in Wyoming is substance abuse. They commit misdemeanors over and over."